Salta Argentina: Useful facts and what to do in three days
Travel through the most impressive landscapes of northern Argentina in three days full of culture, nature and unique flavors. From the colonial city of Salta to the heights of the Train to the Clouds, this itinerary offers you an experience that will be etched in your memory.
Salta, one of the jewels of northern Argentina, awaits you with breathtaking landscapes, a rich culture and history, and a gastronomy that awakens all the senses. If you are looking to have a unique experience in Argentina, this three-day itinerary through the province of Salta is ideal for exploring the best that this corner of the country has to offer.
In addition, we give you useful information that you need to know before traveling, such as the weather in Salta, the typical gastronomy you must try, the most characteristic mountains and how to get to Salta.
Day 1: Explore the City of Salta, " La Linda "
Morning: Your adventure begins in the beautiful city of Salta, known for its colonial architecture and laid-back atmosphere. Start the day at Plaza 9 de Julio, where you can visit the majestic Cathedral Basilica and the historic Salta Cabildo. Just a few steps away, the innMuseum of High Mountain Archaeology (MAAM) you will see the shocking discovery of the Inca mummies of Llullaillaco, a world-renowned cultural treasure.
Then, take a ride on the cable car to San Bernardo Hill to get a panoramic view of the city surrounded by mountains.
Lunch: Enjoy lunch with the famous empanadas salteñas and other local dishes in the historic center.
Afternoon: Continue your tour by visiting the impressive San Francisco Convent, one of Salta's architectural icons, and then pop into the Artisan Market, where you can take home a unique piece of local handicrafts as a souvenir.
Dinner: Live an authentic Argentine experience in a folkloric peña, where the music and flavors of the region will delight you on a memorable night.
Day 2: Natural Wonders of Quebrada de las Conchas and Cafayate
Morning: Start your second day very early, ready to go along Route 68 towards the city of Cafayate, a region famous for its vineyards and spectacular landscapes. As you travel, tour the stunning Quebrada de las Conchas, with stops at iconic landmarks such as the Amphitheater, the Devil's Throat, and the Castles viewpoint.
Lunch: Once in Cafayate, enjoy having lunch at a local winery, paired with some fresh Torrontés wine, the region's star varietal.
Afternoon: Take a guided tour of some of the most famous wineries, where you can be part of a wine tasting and learn about wine production in one of the most special climates in the world. Don't miss the Vine and Wine Museum, to learn more about the region's winemaking traditions.
Night: Return to the city of Salta, however, if you happen to have one more day, spend the night in the city of Salta and have dinner in a restaurant in Cafayate, with a nice view of the vineyards and the mountains.
Day 3: Experience the Train to the Clouds Adventure
Morning: On your last day, get ready for one of Salta's most iconic experiences: the Train to the Clouds. From San Antonio de los Cobres, you will embark on an unforgettable journey through the Puna, reaching 4,200 meters above sea level. The jewel of the tour is the spectacular La Polvorilla Viaduct, a true engineering prodigy and a view that will take your breath away.
Lunch: Enjoy lunch on board or in San Antonio de los Cobres, depending on the tour chosen.
Afternoon: After the tour, you will return to the city of Salta. If you still have energy, take a walk along Balcarce street, where you can enjoy the bohemian and relaxed atmosphere of its bars and restaurants.
Dinner: To end the trip, enjoy a typical Salta dinner, with dishes such as locro or humitas.
Other options: Salta has a variety of options if you want to stay longer, you can visit the city of Cachi, Salinas Grandes, and do more excursions related to high altitude wine in the surroundings of Cafayate. You can also visit the Quebrada de las Flechas, Molinos and Seclantás or go to the province of Jujuy, with its ravines, valleys and Puna, where you can see the seven-colored hill in Purmamarca, the Quebrada de Humahuaca or the Calilegua National Park.
Weather in Salta, Argentina
Salta has a pleasant climate for most of the year, with moderate temperatures. The spring and autumn months (September to November and March to May) are ideal for visiting, with sunny days and temperatures ranging from 15°C/59°F to 25°C/ 77 °F. During the summer (December to February), temperatures can rise to 30°C/86° F, while winter (June to August) is cooler, with lows that can drop to 5°C/41° F in the city, although the mountainous areas can be colder. It is advisable to wear comfortable and layered clothing, especially if you plan to go on excursions to the mountains.
Flights to Salta
Salta has the Martín Miguel de Güemes International Airport, which offers direct connections with international cities such as Asunción (Paraguay), São Paulo (Brazil) and Lima (Peru), as well as domestic flights from Buenos Aires, Mendoza and Córdoba. Flights from Paraguay are a convenient option for travelers interested in getting to know northern Argentina.
How to get to Salta from Paraguay?
Paranair announced that from February 2025 it will be possible to fly again the Asunción – Salta route.
Aerolíneas Argentinas, Jetsmart or Paranair heading to Buenos Aires and then heading to Salta or Paranair heading to Córdoba and then to Salta are other available options.
How to get to Salta from Peru?
There are direct flights from Lima with Latam Airlines.
How to get to Salta from Brazil?
There are direct flights from São Paulo to Salta with Aerolíneas Argentinas, or several airlines that travel to Buenos Aires and then take a connection to Salta.
How to get to Salta?
From another country, it can be done with a stopover in Buenos Aires, Mendoza or Córdoba, once there you’ll take a connection to Salta.
Best known mountains of Salta
Salta is famous for its imposing mountains that are part of the Andes. The following are among the most recognized popular:
● San Bernardo Hill: It is in the very city of Salta, with access through a cable car.
● "Nevado de Cachi": One of the highest peaks in the province, with more than 6,300 meters high, ideal for mountaineering lovers.
● Summits of the Puna: Through the route of the Train to the Clouds, you will be able to admire the unique mountainous landscapes of the Puna of Salta.
● "Cerro de los siete colores"* : Even though this seven-colored hill is in Jujuy (not in Salta), a short distance from Salta, it is a popular visit for its proximity and beauty.
These mountains offer a perfect combination of stunning scenery and outdoor activities for nature lovers.
Typical food of Salta
● Empanadas salteñas: They are a classic of the region. They are characterized by their soft dough and a juicy filling that can be knife-cut meat, chicken or cheese, accompanied by onion, potato and hard-boiled egg. They are perfect as an appetizer or snack.
● Humita en chala: A traditional dish made from fresh corn, cheese, onion and chili pepper, wrapped in corn husks (chala) and steamed. Its mild and creamy flavor makes it ideal to accompany other dishes.
● Tamales: Similar to humita, but the tamale has corn dough mixed with meat, usually beef or pork, wrapped in corn hustle and boiled. It is a typical dish usually served in festivals.
● Locro: A traditional winter stew prepared with corn, pumpkin, beans, and pork or beef. It is hearty and very tasty, ideal for cold days.
● Cazuela de llama: This stew is typical of northwestern Argentina, made with llama meat, which is tender and lean, accompanied by potatoes, onion, carrots and spices.